Meanwhile, Ribery enjoyed the best season of his career, helping Bayern Munich to an unprecedented treble with remarkably consistent performances, particularly in the Bundesliga.

Ronaldo will end 2013 without silverware, but has started the current campaign in the form of his life for club and country, scoring 28 goals for Real Madrid and Portugal.

The 28-year-old last won the award back in 2008 thanks to his performances for Manchester United but is currently the favorite to scoop the prize after ensuring the Seleccao will go to the 2014 World Cup with a superb hat trick against Sweden in the playoff round.

Voting for the Ballon d'Or closed on Nov. 29 after the original period was extended. The winner will be announced Jan. 13 in Zurich.